Mark Mandel, MD, is a board-certified ophthalmologist who is a cornea sub-specialist and LASIK surgeon. He has performed more than 90,000 surgical procedures, including 60,000 LASIK procedures. He is well-trusted for his experience, expertise , surgical precision and integrity. Mark Mandel, MD, is known as "the surgeons' surgeon" because hundreds of eye doctors and other physicians have chosen him to perform LASIK surgical procedures on themselves and their family members.

Mark Mandel, MD, leads the team at Optima Ophthalmic Medical Associates, Inc., where he performs LASIK, PRK and EPI-LASIK, as well as refractive lens replacement procedures, to correct his patients' vision.

To begin the LASIK procedure, Mark Mandel, MD, employs a microkeratome (a surgical blade), femtosecond IntraLase laser or Ziemer laser to create a small flap in the cornea. Next, Mark Mandel, MD, uses the excimer laser to reshape the underlying tissue. Mark Mandel, MD, is able to adjust the laser beam's pattern to correct the refractive error causing nearsightedness, farsightedness and/or astigmatism. Once Mark Mandel, MD, is satisfied with the reshaped cornea, he returns the corneal flap to its original position. The flap then bonds naturally to the eye with no need for sutures.

The LASIK procedure takes less than 15 minutes to complete for both eyes. Patients of Mark Mandel, MD, do not typically experience pain during the LASIK procedure, and most feel minimal to no discomfort or pain following the procedure. Following surgery, patients of Mark Mandel, MD, are generally able to see clearly without the use of glasses or contact lenses, and a substantial number of patients even achieve 20/20 vision or better.

What Patients of Mark Mandel, MD, Say

Dr. Rodan

"One of the best things I have ever done for myself is having LASIK eye surgery with Mark Mandel, M.D. I have a very busy schedule and lifestyle, and having this surgery has made everything I do easier, clearer and less complicated. From reading, to skiing, to traveling, to developing new products, and most importantly to treating my patients, I couldn’t be happier with the results of my Lasik surgery.

Dr. Fields

"I constantly recommend him as the “best there is” to my patients, friends and family… and everyone is thrilled with their results! For me, Mark Mandel, MD, is the only choice for laser vision correction."Katie Rodan, MD, Founding Dermatologist, Proactiv

"I have had poor vision since I was 8 years old. I converted easily to contacts at 13 and wore them until age 45. Then I struggled with dry eyes and bad vision triggered by menopause. I couldn't see with glasses or contacts. I was depressed. I had one option for my complicated condition-LASIK by the best LASIK surgeon. These are my eyes. I wasn't taking any chances. All referrals led to Mark Mandel, MD.

"I think of him every day since the procedure. I can see the clock at the bedside, read the tiniest print and drive on a rainy road at night with confidence. Mark Mandel, MD, absolutely changed my life. I have sent over a dozen patients to him who are equally happy. He is the doctor for your precious eyes." —Kathy Fields, MD, Founding Dermatologist, Proactiv

"Deciding to have LASIK was one of the best things I have ever done for myself. Every detail of my consultation, testing and discussions was handled professionally, honestly and with incredible ease by his staff. Meeting Dr. Mandel personally made it clear to me that I was in the right hands, and was the only surgeon that I would ever want to perform my surgery. It has been years since my surgery, I couldn't be more thrilled with the outcome! I only wish I would have done it sooner.

Talk about the ultimate riding accessory! Clear vision without glasses or contacts is clearly the best investment you can make." Arlen Ness, Arlen Ness Motorcycles, Inc.

"Years ago, for my 50th birthday, I decided to give myself the gift of LASIK. I had worn contacts since I was 16 years old. However, over the years, I found myself wearing contacts and needing reading glasses as well. I consulted with Dr. Mark Mandel. I had long known of Mark's impeccable reputation since we lived in the same community at one time. LASIK is quite simply a wonderful thing...in the right surgeon's hands. And Mark is indeed that surgeon. He pays keen attention to every detail, every test, every bit of your medical history. Six years later my eyes changed a little and I had a minor LASIK adjustment – again, quick, easy and painless with a great result.

One more thing about Mark, he leads a loyal, warm and informed office staff. Many staff associates have been with him for over 25 years, others at least a dozen years. That speaks volumes about his respected ability as a top surgeon as well as being a great guy." Jan Yanehiro, Television personality

More about Mark Mandel, MD

Mark Mandel, MD, graduated with honors from Oxford University in England, where he earned both his Bachelor of Science and master’s degrees. He then earned his medical degree from the University of California, Los Angeles School of Medicine. Mark Mandel, MD, completed his residency in ophthalmology at Pacific Presbyterian Hospital in San Francisco. Mark Mandel, MD, also spent an additional year at the University of Iowa, where he focused on the subspecialties of corneal transplant surgery and external eye conditions, such as dry eye and meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD).

Mark Mandel, MD, teaches at the University of California, Berkeley, the University of California, San Francisco and the California Pacific Medical Center in San Francisco. He also teaches and lectures at other institutions across the United States and abroad on topics such as cataract, corneal and refractive surgery, as well as dry eye and MGD.